James Fred Rowe, Sr., of Valley, passed away on Aug. 27. He was born on Dec. 24, 1927, in the Rocky Mount Community of Meriwether County. 

Mr. Rowe was preceded in death by his parents, James Bartow Rowe and Elso Arcola Norris Rowe; his wife, Mary Calhoun Rowe; five sisters and one brother.

He is survived by his four children and their spouses, Jim and Gail Rowe, of LaGrange, Linda and Young Trammell, of Conyers, Susan and Dennis Young, of Fairhope and Beth and Rick Spencer, of LaGrange; his seven grandchildren and his 12 great-grandchildren; as well as his sister, Emily Rosser of Moreland, Georgia. Mr. Rowe loved his extended family and will be missed by many nieces and nephews – including his Calhoun Family nieces and nephews.

Mr. Rowe was an active member of the men’s Sunday school class of First Baptist Church on the Square in LaGrange and a frequent visitor at Standing Rock United Methodist Church in Five Points. He also was ordained a deacon while attending First Baptist Church in LaFayette.

After World War II, Mr. Rowe entered military service in the army stationed in occupied Japan.

Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, Mr. Rowe was a member of the Masons Fraternal Order. During his lifetime, he held every office available to members. He attended meetings at the masonic lodge in LaGrange. He also participated in and enjoyed membership in the Shriner International, serving as chaplain at the time of his death.

Other civic involvement included active membership in the Kiwanis Club of LaFayette.

Before retirement, Mr. Rowe worked for Liberty National Life Insurance Company in Phenix City, Alabama, LaFayette, Georgia, and LaGrange, Georgia.

 Mr. Rowe valued a good education not only for his children but also for himself. He was a life long learner. Following retirement, Mr. Rowe earned an Associate degree from Southern Union College at the age of seventy – plus.

The Gathering of family and friends will be on Aug. 29 from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church on the Square with the service to follow at 2 p.m. Burial will follow in Luthersville City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Luthersville Cemetery Fund, Luthersville, Georgia or Standing Rock United Methodist Church, Five Points.

Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.

Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange 30240 (706) 884-8636. www.shlagrange.com.